Full Member

joined:Aug 9, 2004
posts:240
votes: 0

Hi,

na I doubt they will take your domains down if you use the game-name. There are plenty of fansites who already use the title of the game in their name. What most legal battles are about is artwork and use of logo and so on, there you have to be very careful.

Preferred Member

They have regarded as crucial whether Respondentsí "fan sites" are commercial or non-commercial. Operating a "non-commercial" fan site has been generally regarded as legitimate: see e.g. Nintendo of America, Inc. v. Alex Jones, WIPO Case No. D2000-0998; and, with respect to the mere intention of launching a fan site, Edward Van Halen v. Deborah Morgan, WIPO Case No. D2000-1313. On the other hand, in a fan Web site where the fan also tries to make money, the domain name has been regarded as used in bad faith (see for example Universal City Studios, Inc. v. David Burns and Adam-12 Dot Com, WIPO Case No. D2001-0784). The Panel agrees that, while use for purely a non-commercial fan site would not constitute use in bad faith, use for a commercial fan site does. While a Respondent using its domain name for a non-commercial fan site may not have a "legitimate interest" under the Policy, its use may be regarded as in good faith, absent other incriminating circumstances.

IANAL and this post does not constitute any legal advice. If you need legal advice, hire a lawyer.

New User

joined:Dec 7, 2006
posts:2
votes: 0

@shigamoto: it's just I have the exact name <Snip>

@Webwork: I'm reaaaally scared to write that email or make that phone call, I would not fight with them for sure, if they want the domain, I'll give it to them, just hoping they can help me with the money i've already paid for it. Still really scared to try that, I guess I'll wait a bit :S

@nativenewyorker: I do have adsense ads on my sites, but it only gives me enough to pay the host. I'm not in now way trying to "make a living" out of my site. Thanks a lot for that great link.

Moderator This Forum

joined:June 2, 2003
posts:7885
votes: 35

The Adsense=moneymaker is likely your Achille's heel, without regard to your ultimate profitabilty. The mark holder faces dilution and other issues if everyone plays the same "I'm using it but I'm not making (any real) money" position. Nyet! Either be a fan and take a loss or get permission. You might even get booted from Adsense in the right(wrong) situation, since you are now making Google your partner in trading off of someone else's famous/trademark.

Senior Member

joined:Apr 25, 2005
posts:677
votes: 0

They can indeed take your domain away if they wish. Unless you have a written permission you cant use their brands in URL like brand+something else. There are tens of cases where brand holders sued hundreds of domain holders containing their brand in URL.